You want a healthy roofing system because your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It takes regular maintenance and inspections to keep your roof healthy. There are some myths you should know about roofing.
Myth 1 – The More Insulation the Better
This is never true. In fact, too much insulation can lead to trapped moisture in your attic and we know that in Orlando there is a lot of moisture in the air. A good general guideline of how much insulation you should have is that it should be level with or just below the attic floor joists. Having the right amount of insulation makes for a healthy roof and helps prevent wood rot from moisture.
Myth 2 – It’s Okay to Have a Roofing Overlay
Some roofing contractors provide quotes for roofing overlays where the new shingles go over the old. This is perfectly legal if you only have one layer on your roof currently, but it’s not recommended. Your new shingles won’t last as long as they should and you’ll have more issues when a hurricane or strong storm with winds comes through. Always ask for a quote for a tear off, it will cost a bit more but your new roof will look better and last longer.
Myth 3 – Gutters Don’t Protect Your Roof
A good gutter system protects your entire home. Clean gutters helps water drain from your roof. Gutters keep water away from your foundation. Every home should have a well-functioning and maintained gutter system. If you don’t want to clean it, some roofing contractors provide gutter cleaning services, ask yours if they do.
Myth 4 – All Shingles are the Same
All asphalt shingles are not the same, and of course, tile shingles are different from asphalt ones. Asphalt shingles come in two main classifications, 3-tab and architectural shingles. The difference in these two classifications is drastic. They weigh a different amount, they have different warranties, and they look different. From there, different brands have different features.
Myth 5 – There’s No Such Thing as Preventative Roof Maintenance
Ask any of the Orlando roofing contractors and they’ll tell you that regular inspections and preventative maintenance will help your roof last longer than reactive roof repair. Preventative maintenance includes looking at flashing and replacing it as needed, checking for loose shingles and reaffixing or replacing, and soffit and fascia repair when necessary. Don’t wait until you have a roof leak to call a roofer, have your roof inspected annually.
We hope you understand the truths about your roofing. If you need a roofing inspection, call Russ Noyes Roofing. We offer the Overhead Care Club which is a preventative inspection and maintenance service. Of course, if you need a roof replacement or roof repair, we can help with that too. Call 407-388-7700 today.
